WakeCap confirms key role in improving construction safety throughout KSA

WakeCap confirms key role in improving construction safety throughout KSA
Bandar Alkhorayef, minister of industry and mineral resources, and Khalil Ibn Salamah, the deputy minister for Industrial Affairs with Hassan Albalawi, CEO and Founder of WakeCap.
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Updated 13 August 2024
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WakeCap confirms key role in improving construction safety throughout KSA

WakeCap confirms key role in improving construction safety throughout KSA

WakeCap, a workforce safety and productivity solution, showcased its smart construction site management technologies to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, which will see the company at the forefront of safety improvement in mining and manufacturing projects across the Kingdom.

Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap, presented the technology at the closing ceremony of the accelerator and industrial business incubator initiative Nomu, in the presence of Bandar Alkhorayef, minister of industry and mineral resources; Khalil Ibn Salamah, the deputy minister for industrial affairs; Majid Alargoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones Modon; and Sami Alhussaini, governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority Monshaat.

“We are honored by His Excellency’s comments and endorsements, which not only validate our technology as crucial for setting new safety standards, but also signal a directive for mandating technology on major projects. Doing so will serve to promote transparency and ensure better compliance rates. This aligns perfectly with our mission to transform safety protocols and practices in the construction industry and beyond, leveraging Wakecap’s capabilities to forge a safer, more secure working environment for all,” said Albalawi.

Wakecap’s standing is further emphasized by the Ministry’s role as a board member in NCOSH, which positions WakeCap as a key player in shaping the future of occupational safety and health regulations.

The government’s strategy is to mandate safety and security in construction and related sectors and WakeCap’s technology will closely support these goals by enhancing emergency response times and providing robust data for compliance and incident investigation. WakeCap facilitates real-time monitoring of workers’ conditions, enabling instant alerts in the event of an emergency, which significantly reduces response times.

The data collected by WakeCap not only ensures ongoing compliance with safety regulations, but also plays a crucial role in investigating incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing preventative measures to avoid future occurrences. This comprehensive approach further supports the government’s commitment to not only mandate safety regulations, but to foster a culture of safety and accountability through data-driven insights and actions.


Badael opens second manufacturing facility in Jeddah to address rising demand

Badael opens second manufacturing facility in Jeddah to address rising demand
Updated 11 September 2024
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Badael opens second manufacturing facility in Jeddah to address rising demand

Badael opens second manufacturing facility in Jeddah to address rising demand

Badael, a PIF company, inaugurated its new manufacturing facility at MODON — Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technologies Zones — Asfan, in Jeddah.

The new manufacturing site consists of an extensive nicotine powder mixing facility, an R&D lab, a dedicated test line, a QC lab, and a second high-speed manufacturing line, which is installed to ramp up the supply of DZRT tobacco-free pouches to meet the surge in demand that the market has seen over the past year.

Badael Company’s Chief Executive Officer Tolga Sezer said: “We are committed to our mission to help 1 million smokers quit smoking by 2028. The inauguration of our new manufacturing site and the line in Jeddah is a testament to Badael’s steadfast dedication to meeting the demand for our Saudi-made product, DZRT.

“Our new facility will leverage state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that utilize global standards in nicotine pouch production under world-class quality standards and sustainable environmental practices.”

The inauguration of the MODON facility will further enable Badael to deliver on its vision and mission by supporting economic diversification, creating local opportunities, enabling healthcare savings, and driving sustainability.


AQAR marks 10 years of success as Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate platform

AQAR marks 10 years of success as Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate platform
Updated 11 September 2024
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AQAR marks 10 years of success as Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate platform

AQAR marks 10 years of success as Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate platform

With over 10 years of experience in the real estate technology industry, AQAR has established itself as the ultimate destination for comprehensive real estate solutions in Saudi Arabia. Available as both a website and a mobile app on iOS and Android, AQAR provides a seamless platform for property seekers and advertisers alike.

AQAR simplifies the search process for those looking to buy or rent properties across all cities and regions of the Kingdom. Beyond just listings, AQAR offers a range of services, including financing, leasing, real estate data analysis, and marketing. These services aim to meet the diverse needs of customers while contributing to the regulation of the Saudi real estate market. AQAR is committed to achieving the highest user satisfaction by maintaining top-quality standards and fostering strong connections between buyers, sellers, real estate seekers, and both government and private entities.

A decade of success

AQAR’s journey began over a decade ago, building a robust experience with its clients to become the leading name in innovative real estate solutions. AQAR leads the prop-tech market in Saudi Arabia. Some of the key metrics are: 233 billion documented values of properties listed on the platform, 400 million monthly searches conducted on the platform, 35 million monthly listings views, 12 million app downloads on iOS and Android, and 2 million active users per month.

What does AQAR offer?

AQAR offers a comprehensive suite of services catering to diverse segments of the real estate market. For general services, the platform provides a vast database of real estate listings for both sale and rent, a detailed property map showcasing all residential projects, a streamlined process for obtaining real estate advertising licenses, efficient leasing services, and a robust property management system. Additionally, AQAR generates comprehensive data reports to analyze market trends and user interactions across different regions. For developers, AQAR offers project showcasing on its map with detailed unit information and project features, targeted messaging to verified users, and effective digital marketing strategies to reach potential buyers. Finally, AQAR provides flexible real estate office plans designed to assist real estate offices and brokers in managing their listings efficiently.

The ‘Dufaat’ rent now, pay later service

AQAR has introduced the “Dufaat” service, which allows tenants to convert annual rental payments into monthly installments. This system also ensures landlords receive full and secure payments, making the leasing process simpler and more efficient on the AQAR platform.

Future aspirations

AQAR is dedicated to continuously providing innovative services in the real estate market, enhancing partnerships with financial institutions, and improving the user experience to attract new target audiences and foster sustainable growth.


BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent
Updated 10 September 2024
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BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

Bank Saudi Fransi and AstroLabs, a business expansion platform in the Gulf, have announced the successful conclusion of the second cohort of their flagship “Banker Technologist” program, which seeks to expand Saudi Arabia’s fintech talent pool, thereby contributing to the advancement of the broader fintech sector.

As Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a global financial technology and innovation hub, the program plays a pivotal role in generating employment in fintech. This is in line with Vision 2030’s objectives to increase the number of fintech companies to at least 525 by 2030, up from 200 in 2023 to create 18,000 job opportunities.

This six-month program is uniquely designed to shift the emphasis from theoretical concepts to practical skill acquisition through a learning environment created to simulate actual workplace scenarios.

During the initial stages, the 10 selected participants took part in group classes held at AstroLabs’ premises in Riyadh, covering core development topics such as web development, databases, security, cloud and digital services, integration and programming, along with soft skills and personal competencies.

Afterward, the participants got the opportunity to partake in mentorship sessions moderated by more than 10 subject matter experts including established bankers and CEOs as well as members from the AstroLabs’ network, among other stakeholders. This immersive experience has equipped participants with the necessary technological tools, personalized support and unrivaled networking opportunities, including a visit to the LEAP conference held in Riyadh last May.

Reema Siyam, head of learning and talent management at Banque Saudi Fransi Academy, said: “As BSF takes strides toward its mission to become the most modern, innovative, and experience-focused bank in the region, we continue to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in the Kingdom to achieve that mission. Our ‘Banker Technologist’ program focuses on the skills needed to accelerate digital transformation at the bank and on empowering our employees to take charge of their development.”

At the end of the program, the participants started to work within the bank’s verticals and were offered the opportunity to gather insights from senior leaders, industry experts and specialized mentors from AstroLabs’ wider network through weekly sessions.

Fouad Fattal, vice president of key accounts and programs at AstroLabs, said: “We are delighted to be completing the second cohort of the ‘Banker Technologist’ program, which represents a cornerstone of our commitment as a company to foster fintech talents amid a rapid uptake in digital banking as a key pillar of the fintech industry in Saudi Arabia.”


Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia
Updated 10 September 2024
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Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, has announced the opening of its regional office in Riyadh. This strategic move underscores Carrier’s commitment to enhancing its operations in the Middle East, aligning with the region’s growth and development ambitions.

“Establishing our regional office in Riyadh is a strategic decision that aligns with our vision to be closer to our customers and partners in this rapidly growing region. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its focus on sustainability and innovation make Riyadh an ideal location for our regional headquarters.” said Didier Genois, vice president and general manager, Carrier CHVAC Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “This move will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers and accelerate the deployment of our cutting-edge intelligent climate and energy solutions across the region.”

Tony Jabbour, managing director of CHVAC Middle East, added: “The establishment of our regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia underscores our commitment to the region and reflects our confidence in its future growth. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this move creates for both Carrier and our customers.”

Carrier is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and the planet for generations to come. The company leads in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries, boasting a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything it does.


Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh
Updated 10 September 2024
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Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

As the highly anticipated 12th edition of the MENA Information Security Conference kicks off on Wednesday, cybersecurity experts from around the world are set to converge in Riyadh to discuss and define the future of cyber defense in the Kingdom. Hosted by VirtuPort, this year’s theme “Hyper-Resilient Cyber: Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape of the Interconnected World of IT, OT, IoT, IIoT and Hybrid Cloud,” shines the event’s focus on the intersection of various critical technologies shaping the modern digital ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

MENA ISC 2024 will be powered by the collaboration of leading local and international cybersecurity firms whose combined market capitalization is over SR375 billion ($100 billion), including Salam, CyberKnight, Cyber Polygon (BI.ZONE) and other sponsors such as Kaspersky, Arcon, Cloudflare and Google Cloud Security, as well as PwC in the role of a knowledge partner. These partners play a crucial role in delivering key industry insights, emerging technologies real-time demonstrations and collaborative opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s digital resilience.

Also present to boost knowledge sharing at the conference are speakers from various backgrounds, such as the distinguished speaker Craig Jones, former director of cybercrime at INTERPOL, who will lead a plenary session exploring the AI-driven cyber future, focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming both defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies. Also delivering a keynote will be Asma Al-Yemeni, who serves as the chief information security officer at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, where she is instrumental in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. With a strong background in information security and risk management, Al-Yemeni focuses on protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization, empowering staff and students to recognize and mitigate potential threats and is known for her strategic vision and leadership. 

Additionally, another speaker, Reem Alzamil is the CEO of CyberX, where she leads the company in its mission to deliver in cybersecurity awareness solutions. With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Alzamil has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the company’s strategic direction. A recognized thought leader in the Saudi cybersecurity community, she is committed to empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while safeguarding their assets against evolving threats

Beyond the palette of leading cybersecurity players and insightful individual sessions, MENA ISC 2024 will offer panel discussions, live demonstrations of the latest cybersecurity technologies, and a series of interactive workshops aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights and skills. This year’s agenda also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private sectors and international institutions to build a unified, hyper-resilient cybersecurity framework for one and all.

With over 3,000 expected attendees, including prominent figures from both regional and international cybersecurity landscapes, the conference is set to be the cornerstone for shaping the future of digital resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.